The three campuses of High School, Pre-University College and University came together with great love and support to carry out the preparations for Bhagawan’s visit from August 10 to 19. Preparing themselves with speeches, dramas and songs with only their Lord in mind, the students and staff members of the Campus committed themselves to doing things which would make Swami happy. Right from the tiny tots of the grade six to the final year students of the University, the students undertook the tasks of cleaning and decorating the Campus ready to welcome Swami on August 10.

August 10, 2019:

After visiting Sri Sathya Sai Sriniketanam, Jayapura and Sri Sathya Sai Vishwaniketanam, Hampi on the same day, Swami arrived at Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, Gulbarga on the evening of August 10 along with Sri B N Narasimha Murthy, Sri Gowri Shankar and Smt Priya Gowri Shankar. Swami was welcomed by procession of girl students of the Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence and High School students chanting Vedas, Lezim folk dance and Bhangra dance by the students of the High School.

Swami proceeded to the prayer hall and after listening to a few Bhajans, commanded Sri Narasimha Murthy to speak. Sri Narasimha Murthy spoke about the Campus visits undertaken that day and the difficult journey that they had faced due to heavy rains in Chikmagalur. Thereafter, Swami enquired about the health and stay of the students from the Belgaum campus and then retired for the evening.

August 11, 2019:

In the morning, after Swami had granted Darshan to all who had gathered, the Satsang began with Vedic chants by the students of the High School. Swami then spoke to all the students, advising on how Vedas should be chanted in a melodious voice with devotion. He then taught the students how to chant ‘Aumkaram’, after which two students, Brother Siddaram and Sister Reshma of the Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, addressed the gathering and spoke about how each of the students had yearned, waiting and praying for Swami’s return to Gulbarga after His last visit.

Swami then asked if any of the students from the Belgaum Campus were ready to speak and two young boys from grade six spoke about the love and care showered upon them by their teachers. Sri B N Narasimha Murthy then addressed the gathering and narrated a beautiful incident where the God of wind, Vayu and God of rain, Varuna had come to Swami to request His pardon for the discomfort He had faced during His journey to Gulbarga campus. Thereafter, Swami granted His Divine discourse and spoke about love for God, fear of sin and morality in society. He expressed that people nowadays have love for sin and fear of God which is not right. He then added that ‘’No God is afraid of Me, but reveres and respects Me. Therefore, Lord Varuna and Lord Vayu pleaded for pardon not out of fear but out of love and respect for Me.’’ Thereafter, the morning Satsang with Swami came to a close.

In the evening, Swami called all the University boys and spoke to them on the importance of education. He explained the equal importance of both Para and AparaVidya and said, ‘’Being able and noble are two sides of a coin; even if one is amiss, the coin becomes fake’’.

Swami then proceeded to grant Darshan to all who had gathered for the evening Satsang and Bhajans. The session began with a speech by Brother Chetan, a student of the Pre-University College at Gulbarga. He described how Swami is taking care of all the students and emphasised on the importance of having gratitude and love for Swami. Sri B N Narasimha Murthy then spoke about the phenomenon of Sri Madhusudan Sai. Saying that Swami’s greatest miracle is Madhusudan Sai, Sri Narasimha Murthy shared his thoughts about the life of Brother Madhusudan, how he came into Swami’s fold and how he had made constant efforts from the beginning, to move closer and closer to Swami. Swami then granted His Divine message explained that anyone can become His instrument if only one maintains Chittashuddhi or purity of mind. People who are selfish cannot reach God how much ever they try and only a few reach God due to their efforts. Reminding everyone that those who always think of God at all times, without any expectations from Him, are the ones who will reach Him, Swami brought the evening Satsang to a close. After Arati, Prasadam was distributed to everyone and Swami retired to His residence.

August 12, 2019:

In the morning, Swami proceeded to the newly constructed building for the Pre-University College and went around the building. Thereafter, the morning programme began with Vedic chants by the girl students of the University, followed by a welcome speech by the Warden and talks by Dr KP Sai Leela – Chairperson of all girls campuses, Sister Anusha – a final year degree student and Sri B N Narasimha Murthy. Then, Swami spoke to the girl students of the University about the love of the residents of Brindavan towards Krishna and Krishna’s love for the Gopis and Gopikas.

In the evening, Swami called the boy students of the University and spoke to them about spiritual and worldly knowledge. He then proceeded for Darshan and listened to Bhajans and Abhangs by the University students. Swami spoke of the joy He feels when the students offer songs and Bhajans and promised He would take the University students to Pandarpur, the abode of Lord Panduranga.

August 13 and 14, 2019:

On the evening of August 13, Swami granted Darshan to all who had gathered, after which the students of the Pre-University College presented some devotional songs to their Lord. Swami then announced that on the morning of Independence Day on August 15, He would be present for the flag hoisting ceremony and would visit the hostel to have lunch with the students and staff in the afternoon.

On the eve of Independence Day, Swami granted Darshan to all, after which the girl students of the University presented a melodious offering of the Sai Katha at the feet of their beloved Mother Sai.

August 15, 2019:

All staff and staff waited with bated breath to celebrate India’s Independence Day in the presence of Sri Sathya Sai. At 9:30 a.m, Swami was welcomed onto the stage by the students and this was followed by a rendition of the song Vande Mataram. Swami then hoisted the national flag, marking the 73rd year of Independence for India. The students of the High School, Pre-University College and University performed a march past. The new boys brass band of the Gulbarga Campus, along with the girls’ Sai’s Symphony brass band then performed few songs. Sri P D N Srinivasu, Vice-Chancellor of the Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence delivered a welcome address, after which, two students of the University, Brother Bupendra Sahu and Sister Javali Battu spoke about India’s progress over the past 73 years and Swami’s mission of developing the country’s system of education, health and nutrition. Sri Narasimha Murthy then spoke about revered Madiyala Narayana Bhat who was a perfect synthesis of spirituality and patriotism. An example to be emulated, Sri Madiyala Narayana Bhat was such that he had the head of Shankara, hands of Janaka and heart of Buddha. Swami then granted His Divine message and said that Swathantra or independence is not getting freedom from outsiders, but truly means following the Divine Atma within. Swami explained the subtle meaning in the word ‘Bharat’, the colours of the Indian flag and the Ashoka Chakra at the centre of the flag. He reminded everyone that only those who follow the Divine within can be called Bharatiyas and not just anyone who is simply born in the land of Bharat. He retold the students that it is only when they become selfless and well-equipped, that India can become a great nation and a teacher to other nations.

In the afternoon, Swami visited the staff quarters and then proceeded to a nearby lake. At 12:30 p.m, Swami made His way to the boys’ hostel and dined with the guests, staff and students. After distributing ice-cream to everyone, He returned to His residence.

In the evening, Swami called all the students of the Pre-University College and spoke to them at length about their daily schedule and food habits.

Swami then granted Darshan and after a few Bhajans, commanded Sri Narasimha Murthy to speak. Sri Narasimha Murthy spoke about the statement of Swami Vivekananda who had said that India is immortal as long as she pursues her quest for God. If the people of India give up their quest for God and take part in politics and social conflicts, India will perish. Sri Narasimha Murthy expressed his grief at the current state of the country and urged everyone to retain the rich culture of India and be grateful for the blessing of being born in this sacred land.

Swami then spoke about Dharma and Atma Dharma. He expanded on Sanatana Dharma, explaining that it is not a religion but fundamental basis by which Indians lived. The Upanisads proclaim that anything around is Divine. Swami said that no other country in the world ever proclaimed such wholesome and fundamental idea like this and those who follow the principles of Sanatana Dharma are peace-loving and truthful people. Swami went on to say that a day will come when the whole world will follow Sanatana Dharma and the students of the University will know, learn and imbibe Sanatana Dharma and go around the world to teach.

Thereafter, the tiny tots of the grade six presented a small drama depicting young children of a hamlet who all loved their mother India and sacrificed their lives for the nation’s freedom. Swami was overjoyed at seeing these young students and called these young students from the Belgaum campus for private Satsang the next evening.

August 16, 2019:

On the evening of August 16, Swami spoke to all the interns who had come to Gulbarga upon His command. Thereafter, He spoke with the young students of the Belgaum campus and while the children had their snacks, He enquired about the students’ health and education. He asked the children to speak and told Sri Narasimha Murthy that He was not wasting time but spending time with the future missionaries of His mission.

After Bhajans and Darshan, Swami granted His Divine message and reminded everyone that to reach God, one must be ready to give up anything and everything. He said that His school teachers should take the students towards God but not far from God. Then, the students after coming towards God, should bring their parents towards God. Swami said that a true son or daughter is one who brings his or her parents to God. Swami explained that if something helps one to reach God then one must take it, but if it does not help one, then one should abandon it. Swami then called the family of Brother Madhusudan, who all expressed their joy at how Swami is taking care of them better than anyone else in the world could. Thereafter, Mangala Arati was offered to Swami after which He retired for the evening.

August 17, 2019:

On the morning of August 17, Swami along with all the staff and students of the Campus, gathered in the multimedia room. Swami commanded all the 13 interns to speak to the students and staff about their experiences and the challenges they have faced so far, so that everyone may be aware of what is happening in the Campuses and to prepare the future interns. As each intern came onto the stage and shared his experiences of how he had faced different challenges at different point of time, it was evident that the only inspiration at that point of time was Swami’s love for them and His precious students. After all the interns had spoken, Dr A R Manjunath addressed everyone and explained why Swami had needed to create another university to bring out students who would work for His mission. Sri Narasimha Murthy then spoke about how this University came up and the story behind the selection of Gulbarga as its location. Swami then spoke about how His mission will bring a great change down the line in 50 years and how He needs many more students to take up this mission to change the world and bring peace.

In the evening, after granting Darshan, Swami commanded Sri Narasimha Murthy to speak, who shared that Swami has come only for the upliftment of man from individual consciousness to divine consciousness and the establishment of Institutions is secondary to Him. Swami is transforming each and every individual, for it is only by changing individuals that a country or the world can be changed. He then spoke about the 13 interns who are currently serving in various capacities in different campuses and praised them for sacrificing themselves for Swami’s mission. Swami then granted His Divine message and said that that children should learn all types of knowledge, including Para, higher knowledge and Apara, lower knowledge and youth should involve themselves in Seva. They should follow the principles of Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanti (Peace), Prema (Love) and Ahimsa (Non-Violence) and be selfless, using their knowledge to help others. Swami said that one should not sell knowledge for profit but one should share it with all so that everyone can grow. He then gave examples of engineers and doctors who are working in Swami’s institutions with lot of love for Swami and His mission, without any selfish ideas. Swami concluded His message saying that if a student works hard and sacrifices for God, then God will take care of him and his whole family.

August 18, 2019:

At 9:30 a.m, Swami proceeded to the Bhoomi Puja for the kitchen and staff quarters. Dr A R Manjunath welcomed everyone, and this was followed by a speech by Sri C Sreenivas, Chairman of the Sri Sathya Sai Health and Education Trust. This was followed by a short talk by Sri Narasimha Murthy. Swami then granted His message and expressed His joy that His devotees and engineers are working hard for happiness of His children. Swami announced that a small medical clinic would also be built, so that all the children can be given quality treatment and nearby villagers could also benefit from this service. Reminding the students of the importance of not wasting food, Swami proceeded for a Puja on the land for the staff quarters and then returned to His residence.

In the evening, Swami called all the 13 interns and spoke to them about post-graduation courses which would be beginning in the coming year. After Darshan, Swami blessed and gifted clothes to the non-teaching staff of the Campus, laptops to final year students of the University and tablets to the students of the Pre-University College. Sri Narasimha Murthy then addressed the gathering, recalling how each of the Avatars had stated that they had only descended for the upliftment of mankind and nothing else. He said that if man does not engage in his purpose of reaching God, then there is no difference between animals and humans.

He announced that Swami would be leaving the next day to the Koppal Campus and then would proceed to Muddenahalli. After a trip to Singapore and Malaysia, Swami would go to Hyderabad on September 01 and then return to Gulbarga on September 03 and remain there for 24 days. Swami then granted His Divine message and said that anything that is lost can be recovered, except the body. Only a human can know that they can reach God and that they are no different from God. Therefore, if a human misuses his life for worldly pursuits then he is no different from an animal. Keeping this in mind, one should live life accordingly by making efforts to reach the destination. Swami said that even though everyone else may indulge in the world and forget God, we should make an effort to reach God and not just follow the majority. When we have clarity in life, we will not get confused by others. Swami then announced that it was Sri Narasimha Murthy’s 75th birthday and praised him for giving himself to Swami’s mission. Mangala Arati was then offered to Swami, after which He retired to His residence.

August 19, 2019:

On the morning of August 19, Swami called all the students of the Grade ten and staff of the High School and spoke with them. Thereafter, Swami blessed all the students and proceeded to Koppal campus, thus bringing a Divine stay of nine days to a close.